Lin Yue stared at the massive iron gates in front of her.
Behind them stood a mansion so large it barely looked real. The building was surrounded by perfectly trimmed gardens, tall trees, and a long stone driveway that curved toward the entrance.
She slowly stepped out of the car.
"This is your house?" she asked.
Zhang Ming, who had driven her there, leaned against the car with a proud smile.
"Well… technically it's the boss's house," he said.
Lin Yue looked at the building again.
It looked more like a luxury hotel than a home.
"You're telling me people actually live here?"
"Rich people do," Zhang Ming replied casually.
Before she could say anything else, another car pulled up behind them.
Li Wei Chen stepped out.
Even outside the office he looked exactly the same—calm, composed, and completely in control.
Lin Yue crossed her arms slightly.
"You didn't mention I'd be moving into a palace."
Li Wei Chen glanced at the mansion.
"It's simply my residence."
"Simply?" she repeated.
Zhang Ming laughed quietly.
Li Wei Chen ignored the reaction and walked toward the entrance.
"Come inside."
Lin Yue hesitated for a second before following him.
The moment she stepped inside, she felt even more out of place.
The living room was enormous. Marble floors reflected the warm chandelier light above. Expensive paintings hung on the walls.
Lin Yue turned slowly, taking everything in.
"I feel like I should take my shoes off," she murmured.
"You don't have to," Li Wei Chen replied.
A housekeeper approached politely.
"Welcome home, President Li."
Then she looked at Lin Yue.
"And this is…?"
Li Wei Chen answered simply.
"My wife."
Lin Yue nearly choked.
The housekeeper blinked in surprise before quickly bowing her head.
"Welcome, Madam."
Lin Yue forced a small smile.
This was already getting awkward.
Li Wei Chen turned toward the stairs.
"I'll show you your room."
Lin Yue followed him upstairs while Zhang Ming stayed behind, clearly amused by the situation.
The second floor was just as impressive as the rest of the house.
Li Wei Chen stopped in front of a large door and opened it.
"This will be your room."
Lin Yue stepped inside.
The room was beautiful. Large windows, a king-sized bed, and a private balcony overlooking the garden.
She walked around slowly.
"This is bigger than my entire apartment."
"You'll have privacy here," Li Wei Chen said.
She turned toward him.
"And your room?"
He pointed to another door down the hallway.
"Across the corridor."
Lin Yue nodded slowly.
At least the separate rooms rule was real.
For a moment they stood there quietly.
Then Lin Yue suddenly remembered something.
"Wait."
Li Wei Chen looked at her.
"Yes?"
"You told the housekeeper I'm your wife."
"Yes."
"But the contract marriage hasn't even started publicly yet."
"It starts now," he replied calmly.
Lin Yue sighed.
"So I'm officially pretending to be married to the CEO."
"That's correct."
She walked to the balcony window and looked out at the garden.
"This is crazy."
Li Wei Chen remained completely calm.
"You'll get used to it."
Lin Yue turned back to him.
"I doubt that."
He paused for a moment before speaking again.
"My family dinner is tomorrow night."
Lin Yue's expression immediately changed.
"Family dinner?"
"Yes."
"You mean the people who forced you to marry?"
"Yes."
Lin Yue rubbed her forehead.
"You didn't mention that part."
"They'll want to meet you."
She stared at him in disbelief.
"So let me understand this."
She pointed at herself.
"I meet your powerful family tomorrow… as your sudden new wife?"
"Yes."
Lin Yue laughed nervously.
"This is going to be a disaster."
For the first time, Li Wei Chen showed the faintest hint of amusement.
"Probably."
Lin Yue crossed her arms.
"And you're completely calm about that?"
"Yes."
She shook her head slowly.
"President Li…"
"Yes?"
"You just brought a stranger into your house and introduced her as your wife."
"Yes."
Lin Yue sighed.
"Your life is insane."
Li Wei Chen simply replied,
"You agreed to it."